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Covers the world of on-line data bases. Once the domain of reference librarians, these electronic storehouses of in-depth info can now be reached by PC hobbyists and business users. Learning to navigate data bases; Data boutiques; The full story;For the novice. INSET: From philosophy to politics: A sampler of data bases..

Describes Access, which is the latest example of a trend among national--and some regional--brokerages: personal portfolio management for accounts of $100,000 and up. Steep fees; Weighing their pros and cons; Sizing up the `wrap-fee' programs, which cover both the manager's annual fee and the brokerage's commissions and custodial fees; Financial planners.

Discusses how many analysts feel that opportunities abroad are as good as ever, following the financial upsets of the last year. The crumbling of political and trade barriers has breathed new life into courses not long ago deemed incapable of dramatic growth; Prospects; Rising rates; The safest routes into foreign stocks is through international mutual funds.

Describes deep-discount brokerages, an increasingly prominent sort of company. Rise over the past 14 years; Low overhead, no-frills services; Appeal to the independent-minded investor.

Reports on REITs, publicly traded companies that hold a portfolio of properties. The REIT may be the ideal vehicle for real estate investing in the `90s. RELPs, real estate limited partnerships; Regional REITs, which own holdings in one geographic area.

Describes `business incubators,' a state or federally supported program that provides support services and management advice, neatly packaged in a low-rent building populated with fellow entrepreneurs. Most are private, non-profit operations sponsored by regional-development organizations designed to spark growth in the community. Some specialized incubators; Some private; Affiliations with universities; How to get in and what to look for.

Discusses how brokerages are coddling customers these days, doing just about anything to win back business. Outlines services they're offering.

Treatment for chronic backache is moving away from drugs and surgery towards more conservative therapies that emphasize both physical and psychological methods of treatment. Discusses various approaches to dealing with back pain.

Foreign restaurateurs are creating authentic American dishes and atmosphere in Europe and Japan. A replica of a New York City diner in Tokyo, Japan; Cinematic motif in most American restaurants overseas.

States that at the country resort at Cliveden, a stately home in Berkshire, England, travelers can see the bed Sir Winston Churchill slept in--and they can sleep in it, too. Details of the estate; History of the home; Trip prices.

Discusses how brandies from Spain, Italy, and even the United States offer interesting alternatives to the finer French cognacs. Prices; `Cognac wannabes'; Vecchia Romagna Riserva Rara; Competition.

Presents advice concerning ways to deal with sexual harassment from six different experts in the field. Experts include: Freada Klein, management consultant, Klein Associates; Kenneth H. Kirschner, management attorney, Breed Abbott & Morgan; Faith A. Wohl, director of work-force partnering, Du Pont, and others.

Examines the failing performance of metals such as gold, silver, and platinum in 1990. Explanations for gold's rut; Recession and falling prices very likely; Worse for platinum and silver than for gold; Effect of the Persian Gulf crisis.

Examines the benefits of opening a Keogh plan, and how, if you do it by year end, you get a 1990 deduction even though you have until you file your 1040 to fund the Keogh. How they work; Uses; Sizing up Keoghs; Catches one should know about.

Looks at and describes the features of the Steadicam, a hand-held video camera that allows users to follow a fleeing figure down a narrow hallway or up a flight of stairs without getting a jumpy picture. Developed by Academy Award-winning cameraman Garrett Brown; How it works; Costs; Phone number for more information.

Looks at the new generation of miniature color TV sets, some combined with videocassette recorders, which can easily fit into a pocket or briefcase. Powered by alkaline batteries, they can provide you with pictures and sound anytime, anyplace. Features; Excellent stocking stuffers; Prices; Benefits.

Studies how, even though one may own securities of a company that no longer exists, that doesn't mean that they have no value. Companies change names through mergers or takeovers, yet their original certificates remain valid and can be exchanged for money or shares in an actively traded successor. Problem of learning where the money is and how to collect it; Questions about a securities value.

Announces the increasing number of unaccompanied minors, the five-to-twelve set who travel on airlines solo. Lists a few tips for those who are sending their children on airline flights alone. Problems with sending your children alone; Charges for escort service.

Looks at the benefits of utility stocks, which have long been a favorite in recessionary times. Benefits; Drawbacks; Outlook.

Looks at VCR Plus from Gemstar Development. Hitting the stores this month, the device is yet another remote control to add to the pile of zappers that already populate your living room. It centers around a program code, which many newspapers as well as some TV Guide editions are adding to their TV listing. How it works; Benefits; Future.

Uncovers some tempting travel packages to enhance one's fun on New Year's Eve. Includes jetting to Paris; A ride upon the Orient Express; Cruising the Caribbean; A lobster bash on Martha's Vineyard; More.

Features the better quality of California's sparkling wines, which has increased greatly in recent years. French producers who are now operating in California; How much of the dry French style has successfully crossed the ocean, and is now being produced domestically; Gives examples.

States how three long-distance carriers--MCI, US Sprint, and Call Home America, a small independent--have begun offering toll-free numbers for residences. Benefits of having an 800 line in one's home; How it works; Fee plans; Cost; Good for frequent long-distance users.

Explains how senior citizens who need medical insurance coverage still face a bewildering array of options in `medigap' policies, so-called because they pay for expenses that medicare doesn't cover. Includes a few tips to keep in mind when shopping for oneself or an older relative.

Profiles several clubs where indoor rock climbing is available. These gyms promise the thrill of outdoor climbing with the convenience of a lunch-hour workout; Popularized in France; Includes addresses and phone numbers.

Claims that if one thirsts for investments that won't go flat, beverage stocks may suit your taste perfectly. Shares of softdrink makers have outperformed the market in each of the last four recessions, and this year is proving no exception. Demand for beverages remains strong; International expansion; Current favorites.

Celebrates a large, gray, bottle-nosed dolphin, dubbed Fungie by the locals in Dingle, Ireland. Fungie came to this harbor on Ireland's southwestern coast six years ago and decided to stay. Since then he has entertained and played with animal lovers from near and far, performing his daily acrobatics for them. Camera shy; Renting boats and wet suits.

Details how today's tax-related software can do a lot more than fill out IRS forms. Many personal-finance programs have tax savvy that's valuable in shaping your investment and savings strategies. A few can offer advice on estate taxes and insurance. How they can make tax time a breeze; Reviews selected software.

Traces how the potential for taking home-office deductions is widening again--at least for taxpayers who are willing to confront the IRS in court. How these deductions used to trigger audits more than anything else; Breakthrough decision by the US Tax Court last January, in a case brought by a Washington (D.C.) anesthesiologist.

Includes tips for investors on sorting through the winners and losers of 1990 in an effort to catch all necessary deductions. What to look for; Tax considerations; No big change in the tax on capital gains; Limited partnerships.

Shows that if you're planning to benefit from any major donations in 1990, getting in under the wire isn't all that matters. Securities are often a fitting gift for charities; What if you're picks aren't winners; Stock certificates; Other types of donations.

Traces how croquet, that erstwhile staple of the backyard barbecue, is experiencing a comeback. Its renaissance is buoyed by executives--particularly golf aficionados who have swapped club for mallets. Benefits of croquet; Why charities go for croquet; Croquet clubs.

Describes how, for many white-wine lovers, California's chardonnays have become the varietal of choice. Because of last year's enormous surplus, wineries aren't raising prices the usual ten percent to twenty percent for new vintages. Lists and describes several good deals and their prices.

Describes zero-coupon collateralized mortgage obligations (Z-CMOs), which financial planners and bond brokers are promoting as ideal for the middle-aged investor looking to retire in ten or fifteen years. How they're growing faster than any otherinvestment security; Payout periods; What to look for; How they work; Guarantees.

Details how hard it is to improve one's credit rating after it has been damaged by credit card fraud. Steps one may have to take; How it is not as easy to protect oneself as one may believe; What one is liable for. INSET: PROTECTING YOURSELF.

Reports on the several eateries in and around Manhattan which offer splendid views and elegant cuisines. Locations; Prices; Phone numbers included.

Reports how, hoping to match the prestige at home that bourbon has overseas, distillers are launching premium bourbons. What makes a bourbon premium; Background of bourbon; Flavors; Recipe for mint julep.

Describes a new move by some insurance companies that will make death benefits available to the living policyholder. Stems from the realization that some customers suddenly need large sums of money to cover medical expenses or long-term nursing home care. Options; No definitive tax rulings yet.

Discusses the current boom in numismatic coins on Wall Street, in particular, 19th and early-20th century United States coins. Prices for top-quality coins increased a record 40 percent in 1989.

Discusses the benefits of real estate investment trusts (REITs), publicly traded portfolios of properties can offer steady income and high appreciation. Advantage over real estate limited partnerships (RELPs).

Discusses the overall flat performance of precious metals in 1989 and investment analysts' predictions for their performance in 1990.

Reports how, after a long, slow decline through 1989, the price of gold has been steadily climbing, hitting $393 per ounce on Nov. 15, up from a three-year low of $359 in September. Discusses some of the unusual reasons for the rally.

Discusses the popularity of theme cruises, which organize activities around a particular hobby, subject, or sport. Sampling of cruises planned for 1989 and 1990.